Blue Racer is an intriguing animal that has caught the attention of nature enthusiasts worldwide. In this blog post, we will delve into the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of these fascinating creatures. Blue Racers, also known by their scientific name Coluber constrictor foxii, are a species of snake predominantly found in North America. They are known for their vibrant blue coloration, which sets them apart from other snake species.
An interesting historical fact about Blue Racers is that they were once considered a subspecies of the Eastern Racer, but they were later classified as their own distinct species. With an average length of around four to five feet, Blue Racers are considered to be medium-sized snakes. Their slender bodies and remarkable speed make them agile hunters in their natural habitat.
Blue Racers can be found in a variety of habitats throughout their range, including grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. These snakes are highly adaptable and can even thrive in urban areas. As non-venomous snakes, Blue Racers rely on their speed, agility, and constriction technique to capture and subdue their prey, which primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and other reptiles.
In conclusion, Blue Racers are captivating creatures that have captured the interest of many animal enthusiasts. Their rich history, intriguing facts, medium size, versatile habitat, and unique classification make them a fascinating subject for further exploration. Stay tuned for more exciting animal-related articles on our blog, where we already have an extensive collection of over 155 animal names to learn about and discover.
History of Blue Racer
The Blue Racer snake, also known as the Eastern Indigo snake, is a fascinating animal with a long and interesting history. It is native to the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast regions. People have been observing and studying these snakes for centuries, which has helped us learn more about their behavior and characteristics.
In the past, Native American tribes revered the Blue Racer snake for its beauty and agility. They believed that it possessed spiritual qualities and often included it in their folklore and traditions. European settlers in America also encountered these snakes and documented their encounters in early journals and writings.
As time went on, the Blue Racer faced several challenges. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, these snakes were hunted extensively for their striking blue skin. Many people desired the skin for fashion accessories, leading to a decline in their population. Additionally, habitat loss and human activities further threatened their survival.
Conservation efforts began in the mid-20th century to protect the Blue Racer snake. Scientists and wildlife organizations worked together to promote awareness about these snakes and the importance of preserving their natural habitats. Laws were also enacted to regulate hunting and trade of the Blue Racer.
Today, the Blue Racer snake is considered a protected species in many areas. While it still faces some challenges, efforts to conserve their population have been successful in many regions. Education and research continue to play an important role in understanding and protecting these fascinating creatures. By working together, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and presence of the Blue Racer snake in our natural world.
Importance of Blue Racer
The Blue Racer animal is very important to our environment. It plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of nature. First of all, the Blue Racer helps to control the population of rats, mice, and other small animals that can cause harm to our crops and gardens. By eating these pests, the Blue Racer helps to keep our food sources safe and healthy.
In addition, the Blue Racer also helps to control the population of insects such as grasshoppers and crickets. These insects can damage our plants and crops too. By eating them, the Blue Racer ensures that our gardens and fields stay free from these harmful pests. This helps us to have better harvests and ensures that our plants grow strong and healthy.
Furthermore, the Blue Racer is also an important part of the food chain. It serves as a prey for larger animals like hawks and eagles. By being a food source for these predators, the Blue Racer helps to maintain the balance in the ecosystem. Without the Blue Racer, the population of these birds would be negatively affected, creating a domino effect on other animals that depend on them for food.
In conclusion, the Blue Racer animal is an essential part of our ecosystem. It helps to control pests, such as rats and insects, that can harm crops and gardens. Additionally, it serves as a prey for larger predators, ensuring the balance of the food chain. We must protect and preserve the Blue Racer to maintain a healthy environment for all living beings.
Amazing Facts About Blue Racer
1. The Blue Racer is a type of snake that is found in North America.
2. It gets its name from the blue coloration that can be seen on its back and sides.
3. The Blue Racer can grow up to about 3 to 5 feet in length.
4. It is a fast-moving snake that can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest snakes in North America.
5. This snake is non-venomous, which means its bite is not poisonous to humans.
6. The Blue Racer mostly feeds on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles.
7. It is known for its excellent climbing and swimming abilities.
8. The habitat of the Blue Racer includes open grasslands, marshes, and wooded areas.
9. These snakes are mainly active during the daytime, preferring to rest during the cooler evenings and nights.
10. During warm weather, Blue Racers often bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature.
11. When threatened, the Blue Racer will try to escape rather than confront predators.
12. They are agile climbers and can easily make their way up trees to escape danger.
13. Blue Racers communicate through subtle body language, such as flicking their tongues or vibrating their tails.
14. The mating season of the Blue Racer usually occurs in the spring, and females typically lay around 10 to 30 eggs.
15. Despite being relatively common in some areas, the Blue Racer population has been declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Can we keep Blue Racer as our Pet?
The Blue Racer is a type of animal that some people may find fascinating and might consider having as a pet. However, it is important to understand that it is not appropriate or feasible to keep Blue Racers as pets. This is because Blue Racers are not meant to be kept in captivity, and doing so can pose serious risks to both the animal and the owner.
Blue Racers are a type of snake that can grow quite large and require specific habitats and diets to survive. In the wild, they have the freedom to move and explore vast areas to find food and shelter. However, in captivity, it is nearly impossible to recreate these conditions adequately. This lack of space and freedom can lead to numerous health problems for the Blue Racer, such as stress, malnutrition, and even premature death.
Unfortunately, because of factors like habitat loss and human activities, the Blue Racer is now considered an extinct species. This means that there are no more Blue Racers left in the world. It is a sad reality that many animal species are disappearing from our planet due to human actions. It is crucial that we learn from these mistakes and work towards preserving and protecting the wildlife that still exists.
In conclusion, while the idea of keeping a Blue Racer as a pet might seem intriguing, it is essential to consider the well-being and needs of the animal. Captivity is not suitable for Blue Racers and can result in severe harm to them. Additionally, as the Blue Racer is no longer in existence, it is impossible to keep them as pets. We must take responsibility for our actions and ensure that we treat all animals respectfully and preserve their natural habitats for future generations.
Size of Blue Racer
The Blue Racer is a fantastic animal that can be found in some parts of North America. It is a medium-sized snake, usually measuring between 3 to 5 feet long, which is about the length of your dad’s height. So, it’s not too big or too small, just the perfect size for a snake! Its name, Blue Racer, comes from its striking blue color, which can be seen on its back and sides. This snake is truly a beauty!
When compared to other snakes, the Blue Racer is considered to be quite fast and agile. It can swiftly slither through grasslands and forests, mostly hunting for small animals like mice and frogs. Its slim body allows it to move quickly, as it smoothly glides across the ground. With its amazing speed, the Blue Racer can outmaneuver many predators and even catch prey that is often hard to catch.
Despite being called the Blue Racer, not all Blue Racers are actually blue. The color of their scales may vary depending on their habitat and surroundings. Some individuals may even have a greenish hue, making them blend in with their environment. They also have a distinctive white or yellowish belly, which makes it easier to spot them on the ground. So, if you ever come across a Blue Racer, marvel at its beauty and remember how lucky you are to witness such a unique creature!
Habitat of Blue Racer
The Blue Racer animal, also known as the Eastern Blue Racer, can be found in various habitats throughout its range. These habitats include open fields, grasslands, meadows, and even old farmlands. The Blue Racer prefers areas with abundant vegetation, as it provides cover and food sources.
In these habitats, the Blue Racer can often be seen basking in the sun on rocks or fallen logs. These reptiles are quite fast and agile, making them excellent climbers. They can be found in trees, bushes, or even tall prairie grasses, where they can hide and escape from predators.
Another important aspect of their habitat is the presence of water sources such as ponds, marshes, or streams. Blue Racers require water to survive and are excellent swimmers. They often hunt for prey near these water sources, which include small animals like mice, rats, frogs, and birds.
Overall, the Blue Racer prefers open habitats with abundant vegetation and nearby water sources. These environments provide them with the necessary resources to survive, including food, cover, and shelter. Despite its name, the Blue Racer’s habitat is not limited to areas near the coast or dense forests. Instead, it can be found in a variety of habitats across its range, showcasing its adaptability and ability to thrive in different environments.
Evolution of Blue Racer
The blue racer is a remarkable animal that has gone through an incredible evolution over time. It has adapted to various environmental changes and has developed unique features that help it survive and thrive in its habitat.
In the beginning, blue racers were not always blue. They started out as small, green-colored snakes that blended well with the surrounding grass. Over time, due to natural selection, blue racers with a bluish hue on their scales were more successful in camouflaging and hiding from predators. As a result, this bluish color gradually became more prominent in their population.
Along with their color change, blue racers also developed long, slender bodies and powerful muscles. These adaptations enabled them to swiftly move through the grasslands where they live. Their speed allows them to chase after prey, such as small mammals and birds, and escape from predators like hawks and foxes.
Another important adaptation of the blue racer is its keen eyesight. Their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head, providing a wide field of vision. This helps them scan their surroundings for food and danger. Furthermore, their eyes are specially designed to see movement better than static objects, which aids in spotting potential prey.
In summary, the blue racer has evolved from a small, green snake to a fast and agile predator with a bluish color, long body, powerful muscles, and keen eyesight. These adaptations have helped the blue racer thrive and survive in its grassland habitat.
Classification of Blue Racer
The blue racer is a type of snake that belongs to the Colubridae family and the Coluber genus. Its scientific name is Coluber constrictor foxii. This special snake is native to North America, particularly in the central and eastern regions of the United States and parts of Canada. The blue racer is known for its amazing ability to move swiftly, reaching speeds of up to 9 miles per hour!
The blue racer has a distinct appearance that makes it easy to identify. It has a slender body that can grow up to 4 feet in length. The snake is usually a bright blue or greenish-blue color, with a lighter shade on its belly. Some blue racers also have unique patterns or stripes on their bodies. These features help them blend in with their surroundings and stay protected from predators.
Blue racers are non-venomous snakes and are not harmful to humans. They mainly feed on small animals like frogs, birds, and rodents. These snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystems they inhabit. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and human activity, the blue racer population has been declining. Efforts are being made to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.
To summarize, the blue racer is a fascinating snake that belongs to the Colubridae family and Coluber genus. It has a slender body, is known for its incredible speed, and can be found in parts of North America. While they are non-venomous and play an important role in the ecosystem, their population is at risk due to human activity. It is crucial that we take actions to protect them and their habitats to ensure their continued existence in our natural world.
Types of Blue Racer
1. Eastern Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor foxii): The Eastern Blue Racer is a quick and agile snake found in North America. It can reach speeds of up to 6 miles per hour and is known for its vibrant blue color and slender body.
2. Coachwhip Snake (Masticophis flagellum): The Coachwhip Snake is a large and slender species known for its incredible speed. It can grow up to 8 feet long and is often seen in various shades of blue. They are excellent climbers and have a diet consisting mainly of small mammals and birds.
3. Green Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon): The Green Racer is a regional variant of the Eastern Blue Racer, found primarily in the western United States. It has a striking blue coloration and feeds mainly on small reptiles and rodents. This snake is non-venomous and relies on its speed and agility to catch prey.
4. Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais): The Indigo Snake is a large, non-venomous snake known for its brilliant blue-black coloration. They can grow up to 10 feet long and primarily inhabit the southeastern United States. Indigo Snakes are important in controlling populations of rodents and other small animals.
5. Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis): The Smooth Green Snake is a small and slender snake found in North America. Despite its name, it can often display blue or bluish-gray coloration. These snakes are harmless to humans and mainly feed on insects and small invertebrates.
6. Western Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor foxii): The Western Blue Racer is a subspecies of the Eastern Blue Racer, primarily found in the central and western parts of North America. These quick and agile snakes are known for their vivid blue color and are often found in grasslands and open areas.
7. Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus): The Ringneck Snake is a small species that can vary in color, including shades of blue. They are commonly found in North America and have a distinctive yellow or orange ring around their necks. Ringneck Snakes are docile and primarily feed on small amphibians and invertebrates.
8. Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae): The Smooth Earth Snake is a small snake with a blue-gray coloration. These inconspicuous snakes are found in North America and primarily inhabit forests and grasslands. They generally feed on earthworms, slugs, and other small invertebrates.
9. Blue Tongued Skink (Tiliqua scincoides): The Blue Tongued Skink is a reptile known for its vibrant blue tongue. These skinks are found in Australia and are popular pets due to their gentle nature. They primarily feed on small invertebrates, fruits, and flowers.
10. Blue Tang Fish (Paracanthurus hepatus): The Blue Tang Fish is a popular marine species known for its bright blue coloration. It can be found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, especially around coral reefs. These fish are herbivores and feed on various types of algae.
Geographical Presence of Blue Racer
The Blue Racer is found in the central region of North America. It can be seen in states like Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and parts of Canada. These areas have the right climate and habitat for the Blue Racer to survive and thrive. They usually make their homes in grasslands, prairies, meadows, and open woodlands.
However, the Blue Racer is not found in certain regions. One such region is the eastern coast of North America. They are not seen in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and parts of New England. This is because the climate and habitat in those regions are not suitable for the Blue Racer. It prefers more open and grassy areas rather than densely forested regions.
Another region where the Blue Racer is not found is the western coast of North America. States like California, Oregon, and Washington do not provide the right conditions for the Blue Racer to survive. These areas have a different climate and landscape compared to the central region where the Blue Racer is commonly found.
Overall, the Blue Racer is mainly found in the central region of North America, including states such as Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois. It is not found on the eastern and western coasts of North America, as the climate and habitat in those regions are not suitable for this snake.
Scientific Name of Blue Racer
The scientific name of the Blue Racer is Coluber constrictor foxii. This name helps scientists classify and identify this specific species of snake. The Blue Racer is a type of snake that can be found primarily in the Midwestern and Great Lakes regions of the United States. It is known for its beautiful blue coloration and impressive speed.
The first part of the scientific name, Coluber, refers to the genus to which this snake belongs. It is a diverse group of non-venomous snakes that are found in various parts of the world. The second part of the name, constrictor, indicates that the Blue Racer is part of the constrictor group of snakes, which means it squeezes and suffocates its prey before eating it. Finally, foxii is the species name, named after a naturalist named Frances Fox who studied and provided information about this snake.
The Blue Racer is a fascinating creature that has adapted to its environment over time. It can grow up to around 4 feet long and is known for its incredible speed, reaching speeds of up to 8 miles per hour. The snake feeds on a diet composed mainly of insects, small mammals, and other reptiles. Despite its name, the Blue Racer is not aggressive and will generally try to avoid confrontation with humans.
In summary, the scientific name of the Blue Racer is Coluber constrictor foxii. This snake is a beautiful species found in parts of the United States. With its striking blue color and impressive speed, the Blue Racer is a unique and fascinating animal that has adapted to survive in its environment.
Diet of Blue Racer
The Blue Racer animal has a very interesting diet. It mostly eats things like insects, frogs, and other small animals. It really likes to eat grasshoppers, which are like a yummy snack for them. They are very good at hunting and catching their food.
Sometimes, the Blue Racer can even eat bigger animals like birds and mice. They sneak up on their prey very quietly and quickly strike them with their sharp teeth. This helps them get their food easily and quickly. They are very fast and can catch their dinner in no time!
The Blue Racer also enjoys eating eggs. When it finds a bird nest, it will eat the eggs inside. This gives them a good source of protein. They are not picky eaters and will eat almost anything they find. With their diverse diet, the Blue Racer animal can find food in many different places and this helps them survive in their wild habitat.
Locomotion of Blue Racer
The blue racer animal moves very quickly to get around. It has a special way of getting from one place to another. It uses a type of movement called slithering. Slithering is when an animal moves by sliding its body along the ground, like a snake. The blue racer pushes its body forward with its muscles and moves in a wavy motion. This helps it glide smoothly across the land.
When the blue racer wants to go even faster, it lifts its body slightly off the ground and glides forward. It can move this way quite swiftly! The blue racer’s body is long and slender, which helps it to slither more efficiently. It also has scales that help reduce friction, making it easier for the blue racer to move quickly. With its slithering locomotion, the blue racer animal is a master at traveling across the ground with speed and agility.
Social and Sexual Behaviour of Blue Racer
The blue racer, a type of snake, is a fascinating creature with unique social and sexual behaviors. These snakes usually live in groups, known as colonies, where they can interact and communicate with each other. They often stay in the same area, building their homes in rocky crevices or under fallen trees.
Within these colonies, blue racers display a hierarchical social structure. This means that some snakes have higher status and control over the group, while others have lower status. The snakes with higher status get preferred access to food and mates, and they are often larger and more dominant than others.
When it comes to reproduction, blue racers engage in courtship behaviors before mating. They may use visual displays, such as colorful patterns on their bodies, to attract a mate. After successful courtship, the female snake lays eggs, usually in a hidden spot, and leaves them to develop on their own. The survival of the young snakes depends on their ability to find food and avoid predators from a young age.
In summary, blue racers have an interesting social life with a hierarchical structure, and they engage in courtship behaviors during mating seasons. These snakes have to rely on their own instincts to survive and grow. Understanding the social and sexual behaviors of animals like the blue racer helps us appreciate the diversity and complexity of nature’s creatures.
Reproduction and Lifecycle of Blue Racer
The blue racer, a type of snake, has a fascinating reproduction and life cycle. Just like many other reptiles, blue racers lay eggs to give birth to their babies. The process begins when a male blue racer finds a female blue racer and mates with her. The female then lays her eggs in a safe place, like under rocks or in a pile of leaves. She may lay anywhere from 4 to 30 eggs at a time. These eggs are soft and leathery, unlike the hard eggs of birds.
After the female lays her eggs, she leaves them alone. The eggs are left to develop and hatch on their own. The temperature of the soil where the eggs are can determine whether the baby snakes will be male or female. If the temperature is cooler, mostly males will hatch. If the temperature is warmer, mostly females will hatch. This is called temperature-dependent sex determination. The eggs usually take about 60 to 80 days to hatch.
Once the baby blue racer snakes hatch from their eggs, they start their own life journey. They are born fully formed and can take care of themselves from the beginning. They are small and quite vulnerable, so they need to be cautious and hide to stay safe. The young snakes spend their time hunting for small insects and frogs to eat. As they grow, they shed their skin several times to make room for their growing bodies. With each shed, their skin becomes more vibrant and shiny, showing off their beautiful blue color. And so, the life cycle of the blue racer continues, with the new snakes growing, reproducing, and repeating the same journey as their parents.
Threats to Blue Racer
The blue racer, a type of snake, faces several threats that endanger its survival. One of the main dangers is habitat loss. As humans continue to build houses, roads, and farms, the blue racer’s natural habitat disappears. Without a place to live and find food, these snakes struggle to survive.
Another threat to the blue racer is the presence of predators. Animals like raccoons, foxes, and birds of prey consider the blue racer a tasty meal. With more of these predators around, the blue racer has a harder time avoiding being eaten. This puts even more pressure on their population to survive.
Lastly, humans pose a threat to the blue racer through hunting and collection. Some people capture these beautiful snakes to keep as pets or for their skin. Unfortunately, this can lead to a decrease in their numbers. Additionally, some individuals fear snakes and may kill them on sight out of fear or misunderstanding.
In conclusion, the blue racer faces various threats to its existence. Habitat loss, predators, and human actions all contribute to the decline of these snakes. It is important for us to be aware of these threats and take action to protect the blue racer, as every creature plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem.
Population of Blue Racer
The population of the Blue Racer animal, also known as the Eastern Indigo Snake, is estimated to be quite low. It is believed that there are fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. This snake is found in southeastern parts of the United States, particularly in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Sadly, the Blue Racer is listed as a threatened species because its numbers have declined dramatically over the years. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, pollution, and illegal collection for the pet trade. As a result, the population has decreased significantly, leaving only a small number of these snakes left in their natural habitat.
If, unfortunately, the Blue Racer becomes extinct, it would mean that there are no more of these snakes left in the world. This would be a great loss to the biodiversity of our planet. It is important for us to protect and conserve these creatures and their habitats to ensure their survival and maintain the balance in our ecosystems.
In conclusion, the population of the Blue Racer snake is currently estimated to be around 3,000 individuals or possibly even fewer. Due to various reasons such as habitat loss and illegal collection, their numbers have declined significantly over the years, making them a threatened species. It is crucial for us to take actions to protect and save these creatures from further decline and potential extinction.
Conclusion
Overall, the Blue Racer is a fascinating creature with a rich history and unique characteristics. Found primarily in North America, this snake is known for its incredible speed and agility. It prefers grasslands and wetlands as its habitat, where it can easily blend in with its surroundings. As a non-venomous snake, it isn’t harmful to humans, but it can still be quite scary to encounter one in the wild.
The Blue Racer belongs to the Colubridae family and is classified as the subspecies of the Eastern racer. It is known for its vibrant blue color, which it gets from its scales. However, as it grows older, the blue gradually fades, giving way to a more greenish hue. These snakes can grow to be quite large, with adults usually reaching lengths of 3 to 4 feet. Despite their size, they are known for their swiftness and can move at an astonishing speed, making them difficult to catch.
In conclusion, the Blue Racer is a captivating animal to learn about. Its history, interesting facts, size, habitat, and classification all contribute to its uniqueness. Though it may seem intimidating, it is important to remember that the Blue Racer is a non-venomous snake and poses no harm to humans. However, encountering one in the wild can still be quite an exciting experience. So, next time you spot a Blue Racer, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and learn more about these wonderful creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Racer (FAQ’s)
Q: What is a blue racer?
A: The blue racer is a snake species native to North America.
Q: How big do blue racers grow?
A: Blue racers can grow up to 3-5 feet in length.
Q: Are blue racers venomous?
A: No, blue racers are not venomous and are considered harmless to humans.
Q: What is the lifespan of a blue racer?
A: Blue racers typically live for about 10-15 years in the wild.
Q: What do blue racers eat?
A: Blue racers primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles.
Q: Are blue racers endangered?
A: Although the blue racer is a species of least concern, certain populations have faced habitat loss and fragmentation.
Q: Where are blue racers commonly found?
A: Blue racers are commonly found in grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands throughout parts of the United States and Canada.
Q: How fast can blue racers move?
A: Blue racers are known for their impressive speed, reaching up to 6 miles per hour.
Q: Are blue racers aggressive towards humans?
A: Blue racers are generally shy and will try to flee when encountered, but if they feel threatened, they may display defensive behavior.
Q: Do blue racers hibernate?
A: Yes, blue racers hibernate during the colder months to survive the winter.
Q: Can blue racers swim?
A: Yes, blue racers are excellent swimmers and can often be found near bodies of water.
Q: How do blue racers reproduce?
A: Blue racers reproduce sexually, with females laying eggs and incubating them until they hatch.
Q: How do blue racers defend themselves?
A: When threatened, blue racers may vibrate their tails, inflate their bodies, hiss, and strike, although they are non-venomous.
Q: Can blue racers change their color?
A: Blue racers can slightly change their color to adapt to different surroundings, but they do not undergo drastic color changes like some other snake species.
Q: Are blue racers protected by law?
A: Some states have regulations in place to protect blue racers, while others do not offer specific protections for this species.
Q: Can blue racers be kept as pets?
A: Keeping blue racers as pets requires specific permits in certain areas, and it is generally not recommended due to their specialized needs and natural behaviors.
Hi there! I’m Morgan Gutierrez, and I love animals! I work as a Seasonal Animal Care Specialist at Brookfield Zoo and also teach people about animals, which is super fun. I studied at Valparaiso University in Lockport, Illinois, where I learned even more about these amazing creatures.
I’m not just about taking care of animals; I write articles about them, too! I explore and share many interesting animal stories, from cute kittens to giant elephants.
In the past, I’ve worked with veterinarians, helped with research, and even been an Animal Ambassador, bringing animals closer to people. Animals are my passion, and I enjoy helping others learn about them. So, if you ever want to know about animals, feel free to ask. I’ll explain it in a way that’s easy to understand, just like talking to a friend!
